On Thursday, the Florida House of Representatives passed the heartbeat bill in a 70-40 vote. The bill was then sent to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk.
Within 15 minutes of receiving the bill, Governor DeSantis signed it into law.
The bill, SB 300, prohibits doctors from performing most abortions after a baby’s heartbeat is detected at six weeks of pregnancy. The bill provides exceptions for mothers who are victims of rape, incest, or human trafficking.
In addition to protecting the unborn, the bill also provides $25 million in aid to pro-life pregnancy centers to help women during and after pregnancy.
“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said in a statement Thursday. “I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”
The Governor’s office released a statement hours after the signing:
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 300, the Heartbeat Protection Act, which prohibits abortions once the unborn child has a detectible [sic] heartbeat.
We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida. I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.
Of course, abortion advocates wasted no time slamming DeSantis, accusing him of extremism and hate for wanting to protect unborn babies.
Florida House Democrat Anna V. Eskamani tweeted:
DeSantis just signed one of the nation’s most EXTREME abortion bans into law — behind closed doors, and near midnight.
He knows how DEEPLY unpopular this law is and he doesn’t want YOU to know about it. Please spread the word & help make sure others know too.
Leftist California Governor Newsom wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to criticize Gov. DeSantis:
